Article excerpt

Brooke Smith Murphy considers the major influence in her life her
father, the late Homer Smith, an attorney and district judge in
Oklahoma County for many years.

Following in his footsteps, the University of Oklahoma graduate
went on to earn her law degree from the University of Wisconsin
School of Law in 1975. She joined Crowe & Dunlevy that same year and
has served as a shareholder and director of the Oklahoma City law
firm since being named its first female partner in 1981. She was
named president of the firm on April 1.

My father believed I could do anything I chose to even at a time
when women did not readily enter the practice of law, much less
reach the 'corner office,' Murphy said. Dad didn't put any
limitations on his dreams for me based on my gender and took joy in
any accomplishment from the time I first rode a bike to becoming an
attorney and as associate at the best law firm in Oklahoma.

Murphy specializes in general civil litigation focusing on
commercial, insurance, health care and intellectual property
disputes, as well as class actions relating to those business
issues.

She has served in many leadership roles and on various committees
with the Oklahoma County Bar Association, including 2004-'05
president. She is also involved with the Oklahoma Bar Association,
American Bar Association, Federal Bar Association and the National
Health Lawyers Association. In addition, she is a member of the
Luther L. Bohanon American Inn of Court of Oklahoma City. Currently
a member of the local rules committee for the U. …